WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I HAVE A SNOW & ICE DAMAGE?
What can arise from a snow or ice storm? There are a lot of different things that can go wrong, including trees falling, basements flooding and even roofs collapsing. Winter storms rank third in terms of the dollar value of damage they cause, second only to hurricanes and tornadoes. The most common types of property damage caused by severe winter weather are roof damage or collapse due to snow, ice or sleet, and water damage from burst pipes or “ice dams.” The freeze/thaw cycle during winter can create defects in your roof and prevent proper water drainage, leading to the possibility of leaks.
Below are steps you can take to mitigate snow and ice damage to your property.
The first step is to take stock of your related damages.
- Damage to shingles or siding
- Interior water damage
- Roof damage
- Insulation damage
- Damage caused by mold and mildew
Your ice dam insurance claim should include steps you take to protect yourself from further damage and harm. Some common examples include roof repair, snow removal, and moving property out of harm’s way. Again, keep track of the steps you have to take to ensure the safety of your person and property.
Your ice dam insurance claim should include an accurate record of damages, related repair expenditures, photographs, and receipts. It’s also important to note that you should start only with the repairs that prevent further, imminent damage, and/or repairs that are necessary to keep you safe. Beyond that, no repairs related to damages should be made without first consulting with your insurance adjuster, so they can assess the extent of the damages.
When reporting the loss, do so as quickly as possible. Many companies have phone, email, and online reporting options that are very user-friendly, and designed to get your claim processed quickly.
If you are still concerned with how your claim is being handled, feel your settlement amount was not enough or your claim has been denied, give us a call.